Microscreen radiaton shield for thermoelectric generator.

摘要

The present invention provides a microscreen radiation shield (24) which reduces radiative heat losses in thermoelectric generators such as sodium heat engines without reducing the efficiency of operation of such devices. The radiation shield is adapted to be interposed between a reaction zone (14) and a means (12) for condensing an alkali metal vapour in a thermoelectric generator for converting heat energy directly to electrical energy. The radiation shield acts to reflect infrared radiation emanating from the reaction zone back toward the reaction zone while permitting the passage of the alkali metal vapour to the condensing means.